You’re invited to our 6th annual homeownership day! If you have been thinking about making some real estate decisions but have been holding back because you weren’t sure exactly what you wanted to do or how you wanted to do it, join us and learn about real estate from professionals! Our event will be held January 27th from 10 AM – Noon at Chapman University (1 University Drive in Orange) and we really hope to see you there!

Our Homeownership Event is FREE and offers 8 classes to choose from during 2 different 50 minute sessions. We are offering some great classes this year that you are not going to want to miss out on! We have something for everyone, regardless of if you own or not. If you’re a veteran thinking about buying a home – we’ve got class for that! If you’re a female and wanting to learn how to grow your real estate profile to be super successful – we’ve got a class for that! Along with safely buying international real estate, finding funds to buy your home…. and…. the one we will be teaching with our YPN friend Eric Wu – Investing to be an Automatic Millionaire. We’d love it if you signed up for our class during your first session and learn about investing in properties to help build your future wealth! If you want to sign up or just check out what all will be offered head over to OC Home Fair website!

Here’s some pictures of our event classes last year, we are hoping to put on an even bigger and better event this year!

First of all, what even is a CIPS?

That is what AskAngie team is here to explain! CIPS stands for Certified International Property Specialist, which means that we are designees that have been trained and certified on how to help you with your international real estate needs. We are well informed on how different cultures interpret people and real estate. CIPS designees are prepared to work with international clients, international funds, as well as American clients who choose to buy internationally. We are relied on because of our expertise in international real estate.

Why do we need Certified International Property Specialists?

Global business and international real estate have expanded a lot so these designees are need more now than ever before! Recently, foreign buyers have spent a lot more money in real estate – to the tune of over 1 BILLION per year. Earning the CIPS title makes agents more creditable and resourceful. CIPS have access to a wide network of professionals that can help you with your property needs around the world. Through research we are able to protect you from losing property or buying in a country where you don’t actually ‘own’ your home. We make sure you are buying legitimate properties wherever you may be looking! People are moving from foreign countries to the US every single day and many Americans look into property overseas as well. Because of the work Certified International Property Specialists do, these home owners are able to have a smooth and reliable transition into their new space (or out of their old)!

Watch this video on why we think CIPS is an important designation!

We recommend if you’re thinking about buying out of the country, call us at 877-230-3211 or text Angie at 949-338-7408 to take advantage of the CIPS education and put it to work for your real estate needs! 🙂

55+ Oasis with Private Beach

Palm Beach Park Private Beach

Droves of seniors are settling in the seaside community of Palm Beach Park in San Clemente, CA – a manufactured home development with it’s own tranquil beach oasis. This quiet retirement community is the perfect place to slow down, unwind, and just be one with the sunsets and ocean. Residents are just across the street from an exclusive private beach that is almost 2 acres, and the best part is they don’t have to pay 2 million dollars to get whitewater views and a walk to the sand.

There are currently 10+ models to choose from, varying in size and price from 100-500K. Truly, there is a home for every senior in this San Clemente treasure. Some coaches are fully upgraded, and others you can add your own personal touches to make it your own beach oasis!

Unparalleled Senior Living

View of the Clubhouse and pool

Luxurious amenities at the clubhouse include a full kitchen and bar, a library, and a game room with shuffle board. Also offered is RV parking, a car wash on site, and the salt water pool that is heated all year round. On the privately owned beach you can enjoy the volleyball court, picnic tables, BBQ area, and the bonfire pits! Palm Beach Park is true retirement living with wonderful neighbors, amazing whitewater ocean views, and breathtaking sunsets!

“Walking down to the private beach and the different social events at the clubhouse are some of my favorite memories here at the park” JoAnn Cota, a homeowner, recently told us. “We love coming down from Buellton to visit the beach.” Another resident, Tom Mallett, states “The shimmering sunsets over Catalina Island are a true delight”.

Stop by and check out what Palm Beach Park has to offer on Sunday, March 6th from 12-3PM. Multiple homes will have open houses – you can tour many homes in one day and find the right fit for you!

Please join us on Sunday, March 6 from 12-3PM if you have any questions or would like a personal tour feel free to call us on our toll free number at 877-230-3211 or email us at Angie@AskAngie.com.We look forward to seeing you by the ocean!!

Had a great afternoon today listening to expert Gary Watt’s predictions for OC’s real estate market this year. Last year, we had a modest appreciation of 4.8%. Real people scenario: If you own a 500K condo, it’s now worth 524K 🙂 What’s in store for this year?

OC Inventory Predictions

Inventory should stay around 6500 homes, and appreciation is expected to be 2-3%. If our inventory goes up to 7500 homes, then we’ll have flat appreciation. If everyone freaks out because the election candidates suck and list their home, then a negative 2% is expected (if inventory rises over 7500).

New home sales should continue to decline (they were down last year), and high end and single family homes should decline. Not in overall price, just in volume, mostly due to affordability.

Rates aren’t expected to go much above 4%. Historically, the Feds have always lowered interest rates in an election year, and this year it’s different…so we have to see if that affects our market.

Buyer Trends in Orange County

First time buyers are 28% of our market, the main reason it’s lower than the rest of the country is affordability. Qualifying for homes is stricter, which is also a factor. And let’s not forget about student debt.

As a nation, the average is 63.7% for homeownership. Only 49.1% of Orange County residents are homeowners; our county is one of the hardest to buy in.

What about the younger buyers? 20% of Millennials are currently homeowners, but we’re seeing a commitment issue with about 10%, who don’t even have ‘buying a home’ on their radar.

Chinese & foreign buyers are still a force to be reckoned with. They like to spend their cash here.

OC Rental Activity

Our rental market is on fire, and will continue to be. The rental gap is about $1000/mo. Many residents are taking a short term mindset of saving the extra monthly spend instead of a long term equity building mindset. There are also many who are still rebuilding credit from foreclosure or short sale, who will remain renting until affordability and credit scores increase.

Overall, we should have another good year in 2016, as long as we don’t get an El Nino of inventory! If you are considering listing your home, the sooner the better, because our busy season starts to slow after May. Call or text Angie at 949-338-7408 to have our team crunch numbers and get a spreadsheet of your potential profit!

Considering selling your Orange County, CA home soon? You aren’t the only one! Keep reading for some tips on how you can sell fast and for the most amount of money, before your neighbor does!

I know, I know, who wants to put more money into a house before they sell it?? Nobody. BUT……who wants to have a house on the market for 6-12 months? Also nobody. Having your home on the market basically means you are living in a museum. No dishes in the sink, no clutter on the counter, no clothes on the floor, bed made every day, leave every time a buyer wants to see it – so much work! Selling in the first 30-60 days usually nets the highest price, and it helps keep you sane.

A good Realtor is always learning ways to make life easier for both buyers & sellers, so I’m happy to bring today’s Orange County Association of Realtor’s class highlights to you on the blog! A professional photographer and interior designer sure know about the psychology of staging a listing. Aubrey Antis, with Aubrey Antis Photography (yes, we use her all the time:) and Kathleen Garito, an experienced interior designer had tons of great tips to share about how to sell quick. First, some facts.

OC Home Selling & Staging Facts

92% of home buyers cannot look past the clutter of a non-staged home.

38% of buyers are willing to increase an offer when they see a staged home!

Buyers are 7X more likely to visit a home that was photographed and staged professionally.

Most aggressive buyers are 14-21 days into the listing – don’t wait until day 60 to begin staging.

Check with your CPA – it’s probably a write off!

Less than 10% of homes on the MLS are using professional photos and staging. Immediately stand out by incorporating these services.

More photos online = less days on the market. 1 photo means at least 70 days. 20+ photos take it down to 32.

Top rooms to stage in your home:

living room

kitchen

master bedroom

dining room

baths / beds

Photography tips and tricks to sell your property quick

Photoshop in a pretty sky if you had a gray day

Vertical photos don’t fit well in the MLS or do the room justice.

Open up patio doors to make the outside more inviting

Take down the family photos

Wet the driveway

Vertical photos don’t fit well in the MLS or do the room justice.

Pets are a no in the picture – if buyers are allergic they won’t even come see your property!

Interior Design tips and tricks to get the best price for your property

Light is the #1 thing that sells a property. Open up the shades, add some canned lights, get some lamps – but let that light inside!

Printed rugs bring the eye down, remove them or put them in storage so buyers focus on the home features

Wallpaper = must.go.now

Watch for huge sofa’s – they are best in storage if they are closing off the room

Printed drapes keep the eye inside the room – do you have a view? Take them down or go neutral.

If you’d like to sell with less stress then let a good team get to work for you – both Aubrey & Kathleen are included in many or our listings – call to learn more details! 949-338-7408. OR – they will both be at Homeownership Day at Chapman University on March 28th! Check out OChomefair.com for more info and to register for the free class 🙂

We’re seeing a little ‘spring’ in Mission Viejo residents’ steps when it comes to selling a home! This is great news for the Orange County real estate market, and we thought it would be a good time to give homeowners a few tips on how to sell a home with ease.

Selling a Home – Tips For Survival

Market on the Internet. According to NAR, 89% of homebuyers start online with a home search. Your home MUST be on Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin and other national homesearch websites. In addition, your property should have its ‘own’ .com, at least 10 GOOD photos, and a virtual tour. Remember, the internet never sleeps, and it’s your best referral partner if you let it be 🙂

Make your home easy to show. Do NOT, I repeat.. DO NOT, make it difficult to show your property. 24 and 48 hour advance appointments significantly decrease the amount of buyers who will walk through your property, and that will affect your bottom line! Yes, its a pain to have people walking through your home, but keep your eye on the end goal. You want to sell for the highest return, right? A ‘call first – go direct’ status in the Multiple Listing Service will allow you to get the ‘heads up’ you’re getting a visitor soon, but also allow agents and buyers to quickly and easily access your property.

Don’t be discouraged by under-asking offers. Its a buyer’s market right now. Buyers want a good deal. If your property is priced higher than the last property that sold in your neighborhood, expect an offer to come in at the price of the most recent sale, or even below. This isn’t a reason to get offended, its an opportunity to bring a deal together!! If you did your homework and selected a good Realtor who knows the neighborhood and how to negotiate, you’re on your way to opening escrow. Losing your patience or being closed minded will only cost you in the end. Work WITH your agent and your buyer to get the property under contract, and life will be so much less stressful 😉

If you remember these tips when you go to sell your home in Mission Viejo or anywhere here in OC, you’ll have a much better experience. The Weeks Team is well versed in Short Sales and Equity sales, call 877-230-3211 today to set an appointment for your market analysis. (And NO, Zillow doesn’t have all the right answers. Don’t gamble with the biggest investment you have! Its a great reference site but nothing compared to a professional Realtor who has served the city of Mission Viejo for years)